FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 25, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement regarding the passing of famed musician and activist, Harry Belafonte:

“I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear family friend, Harry Belafonte. As a fellow child of Jamaican immigrants, Harry will always have a special place in my heart. He made an indelible mark on history by defining what it means not only to be a Black artist, but also a Black activist.

“Harry was one of the first Black performers to gain a wide following on film and to sell a million records as a singer. He won a Tony Award in 1954 and then became the first Black performer to win an Emmy. Harry’s album, Calypso, which ignited America’s infatuation with Caribbean rhythms, became the first officially certified million-selling album by a solo performer. But Harry forged an even greater legacy after he took a step back from his performing career.

“Harry helped organize protests, raised support for them, and often participated in marches and benefit concerts. He worked closely with his friends and civil rights leaders, including Rev. Martin Luther King and Andrew Young, and never held back from prioritizing civil rights with world leaders, from the Kennedys to President Barack Obama. Harry was a central figure in ending apartheid in South Africa, as well as freeing Nelson Mandela. After Mandela was freed, Harry was chosen by the African National Congress to orchestrate Mandela’s tour of America. 

“Harry Belafonte was a superstar whose activism was an art that benefited humanity. His legacy will continue to live within us all.”

###

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn and serves as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.